Amman to Jerusalem: Top 3 Travel Routes

You can travel from Amman to Jerusalem in three main ways: train, car, and plane. Thanks to various routes and excellent public transportation links, you can travel from Amman to Jerusalem in a single vacation. However, your overall travel experience will depend on the distance, duration, and level of comfort offered by these different modes of transport.

By train

Traveling by train is a great way to meet and interact with the locals. There is no direct train from Amman to Jerusalem, so you will first have to take a bus from Amman to Queen Alia Airport, where you will have to catch a flight to Tel Aviv. From the Tel Aviv HaShalom Railway Station, you can get a direct train to Jerusalem, which is around 70 kilometers away. The train stops at Jerusalem Malha, around 3.3 kilometers from the city center. In total, you will spend around 3 hours and 40 minutes traveling. This is quite a complicated and costly process though, the one requiring you to spend approximately USD60 to USD270 in total, even though the train ticket only costs USD 5 to USD 8 per person.

• Distance covered: Train to Jerusalem, around 70 km from Tel Aviv.
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Pro tips:

• While you can book your ticket online, you will have to get a physical copy of the ticket at the station. Make sure to bring a valid ID to get your train ticket.
• Choosing a window seat may be the most comfortable because you will be traveling on the train for nearly 30 minutes. Note that the ticket prices will vary according to the type of seating you choose.
• Catching a train is not difficult as they run every 30 minutes. These trains are operated by the state-owned Israel Railways Ltd.
• During the Shabbat period, trains might not operate from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening. The train schedule varies on holidays as well.

By car

The distance from Jerusalem to Amman by road is around 104 kilometers, which could be covered in around 3 hours by car. You can either get a taxi or a rental car to reach the Jordan-Israel border point, which will take around one hour. The taxi fare can cost around USD40. From the border crossing, it takes nearly 2 hours, including the time required for security clearance at Israel Terminal, to reach Jerusalem. On the Israeli side of the border, you can find a taxi to reach Jerusalem, which will cost you USD60 to USD70. Alternatively, you can also get a rental car for your Amman to Jerusalem tour. There are more than 100 automobile rental firms in Amman alone. Rental fee costs USD200 to USD350 per day. Israel does not allow entry of rental vehicles from Jordan, so you must park your vehicle at the border crossing and take public transport or a taxi to reach Jerusalem.

• Distance covered:  104 kilometers from Amman to Jerusalem by road.
  
• Duration: Around 3 hours, including border crossing and security clearance.
  

Pro tips: 

•  If you are traveling on a budget, you can opt for a shared taxi, which is much cheaper. This, however, means that you will have to wait until the cab is filled for it to take off.
• The cost of a private ride depends on the service provider. Hence, make sure to compare prices and negotiate with multiple agencies.
• You will need valid identification to pre-book a private vehicle.
• To reduce your costs when renting a car, you can opt for a cheaper car model, such as a sedan.

By flight

There are no direct flights from Amman to Jerusalem. Therefore, you will have to fly from Queen Alia International Airport in Amman to Israel's primary airport, Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, around 45 minutes away from Jerusalem. Royal Jordanian is the only airline operating direct flights from Amman to Tel Aviv. There are two daily flights, one departing in the morning and the other in the evening. The flight distance is roughly 160 km and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. After accounting for the time required for security clearance and flight boarding, the total travel time could be 4 to 5 hours. The cost of a one-way flight varies but is typically USD 200 or more. From Tel Aviv, you can hop on a train to reach Jerusalem which will cost around USD 5 to USD 8 and takes nearly an hour.

• Distance covered: Flight from Amman to Tel Aviv, around 160 kilometers.
  
• Duration: Flight time of 2.5 to 3 hours, total travel time of 4 to 5 hours.

Pro tips: 

• Due to the limited number of flights, make sure to take note of the time of each flight and make your booking well in advance.
• Get to the airport at least 3 hours before the departure time since security clearance could take some time.
• There could be a set weight limit for the luggage that can be carried inside the flight. Make sure to check the latest flight regulations of Royal Jordanian Airlines before traveling.
• Ticket prices may vary depending on when you book your flight. Historical data shows that you can secure a cheaper rate, by making your reservation at least six weeks before your trip.
• The months of August, September, and October are generally regarded as high seasons. February is the cheapest month to book Amman to Jerusalem flights.

A quick overview of traveling from Amman to Jerusalem

Mode of Transport	Time	Why Choose This
Train	3 hours and 40 minutes	Experience genuine interaction with locals. Scenic train ride through the countryside. Direct train connection from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Avoids potential traffic congestion.
Car	3 hours	Offers flexibility in travel schedule. Scenic drive through diverse landscapes. Freedom to explore en route destinations. Suitable for travelers with specific itineraries or preferences.
Flight	5 to 6 hours	Convenient for travelers with limited time. Ideal for those prioritizing convenience and comfort.

If you are traveling from Amman to Jerusalem, there are several transportation options. Opting for a scenic train ride offers a relaxing journey, though schedules may be limited. A self-driven road trip allows flexibility and the chance to explore at your own pace, with views of the Jordan Valley. Alternatively, a flight to Tel Aviv followed by a drive provides a more convenient option, albeit potentially with layovers and higher costs.

If you want a more personalized adventure in Jerusalem, we offer customized trip to Israel tailored to your preferences. Whether you seek to explore the religious sites, delve into the city's vibrant markets, or venture beyond a trip to Jerusalem to discover other places to visit in Israel, our local experts are here to design the perfect itinerary for you.

Looking for more inspiration? Take a look at our article on how many days to spend in Israel. Additionally, refer to our guide on the best time to visit Jordan and Israel to plan your trip effectively.